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adjective

B1
UK/ˈadʒɪktɪv/US/ˈædʒɪktɪv/

Formal to Neutral

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Definition

Meaning

A word naming an attribute of a noun, used to describe, qualify, or modify it.

A part of speech; also used figuratively to describe something that is dependent or additional.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

In grammar, it specifies a property of a noun (e.g., size, colour, quality). Can be used non-technically to mean 'ancillary' or 'additional'.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in grammatical usage. Minor variations in typical collocations and teaching terminology.

Connotations

Neutral in both varieties as a grammatical term.

Frequency

Equally frequent in academic and educational contexts.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
descriptive adjectivepossessive adjectivecomparative adjectiveattributive adjective
medium
simple adjectivecommon adjectiveproper adjectiveEnglish adjective
weak
good adjectivenew adjectivedifferent adjectivesingle adjective

Grammar

Valency Patterns

Functions attributively before a nounFunctions predicatively after a linking verbCan be modified by adverbs of degree

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

attributiveepithet

Neutral

descriptormodifierqualifier

Weak

describing wordquality word

Vocabulary

Antonyms

nounverbadverb

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “In adjective order”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Rare; only in training or document style guides.

Academic

Frequent in linguistics, language teaching, and grammar instruction.

Everyday

Common in educational contexts (school, language learning).

Technical

Core term in grammatical analysis and linguistic description.

Examples

By Part of Speech

adjective

British English

  • His explanation was purely adjective and didn't get to the substantive point.

American English

  • The law's adjective provisions deal with procedural matters.

Examples

By CEFR Level

A2
  • 'Big' and 'happy' are adjectives.
  • Find the adjective in this sentence.
B1
  • In English, adjectives usually come before the noun they describe.
  • Can you use a more precise adjective here?
B2
  • The order of multiple adjectives before a noun follows a specific pattern.
  • She used a string of vivid adjectives to paint a mental picture.
C1
  • Linguists debate whether participles functioning as descriptors should be classed as adjectives.
  • The adjective clause, introduced by a relative pronoun, provides essential information.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

An ADJECTIVE ADDS to the noun. Think 'ADD-jective'.

Conceptual Metaphor

A DESCRIPTIVE TOOL (painting a picture of the noun).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • In Russian, short-form adjectives exist (красив/красива). English adjectives do not change form for gender/number. 'Adjective' translates directly as 'прилагательное'.

Common Mistakes

  • Pluralising it (e.g., 'adjectiveses')
  • Confusing it with 'adverb'
  • Incorrect adjective order in a noun phrase (e.g., 'red big car')

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
Words like 'blue', 'tall', and 'interesting' are all examples of an .
Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of an adjective?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, English adjectives do not change form for number or gender (e.g., a big house, big houses).

Adjectives modify nouns (a quick car). Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs (he drives quickly).

Yes, when used predicatively (e.g., 'The sky is blue') or in certain fixed expressions (e.g., 'attorney general').

An adjective that follows a linking verb (like 'be', 'seem', 'become') and describes the subject (e.g., 'She seems tired').